European Powerboat of the Year 2026: The nominated boats up to 18 metres
The candidates in the 5 other categories:
- Boats up to 10 metres in length
- Motor yachts up to 14 metres in length
- Motor yachts up to 18 metres in length
- Motor yachts up to 24 metres in length
- Catamarans
Fjord 490 Open
With the Fjord 490 Open, the shipyard is expanding its portfolio with a model that fits into the range of open dayboats. The design was created by Marco Casali and follows the clear, angular design language that is typical of Fjord models.
The boat measures just under 15 metres and is equipped with Volvo Penta IPS drives as standard. There is a choice of IPS 700 or IPS 800 engines. The open deck design emphasises freedom of movement and quality of life on board. The large sunbathing areas and the optional hydraulically lowerable terraces on the sides of the boat, which increase the usable area in the harbour or at anchor, are striking.
A fixed T-top offers protection from the sun, while the bathing platform at the stern is also hydraulically movable and can therefore be used both for swimming and for handling dinghies or water toys. Below deck, the interior can be configured in different ways. Depending on the configuration, the 490 Open offers sleeping accommodation, a bathroom and additional storage space. Several style worlds are available for the design, so that the interior can be customised to suit personal preferences.
- Length over everything: 15,03 m
- Width: 4,58 m
- Weight: -
- Max. motorisation: 1,250 HP
- Further information: www.fjordyachts.de
Invictus TT550
With the Invictus TT550, the Italian shipyard Cantieri Aschenez presents its new flagship in the tender series. The design was created by Christian Grande and continues the brand's clear, striking lines - the bow is particularly eye-catching.
The boat measures just under 17 metres in length with a width of over five metres and weighs around 24 tonnes when fully loaded. The TT550 is powered by two Volvo Penta IPS systems, optionally up to the powerful IPS 950 variant.
The deck layout is designed for openness and flexibility. Side terraces can be folded down hydraulically to increase the usable space on board. A fixed carbon fibre hardtop covers the dinette, galley and steering position, while the bow area can be used as a lounge.
Below deck, the TT550 offers various layout options. Two cabins, each with their own bathroom, are provided as standard, plus an optional crew cabin. On request, the interior can be customised via Atelier Invictus - from colours and materials to alternative layout solutions. With a fuel tank of 2,200 litres and a fresh water tank of 500 litres, the TT550 is prepared for longer stays. This is supplemented by a 330-litre waste water tank.
- Length over everything: 16,87 m
- Width: 5,04 m
- Weight: 24,000 kg
- Max. motorisation: 1,450 HP
- Further information: www.invictusyacht.com
Itama 54
The Itama 54 is the new open cruiser model from Itama. The Italian shipyard is part of the Ferretti Group and is returning to its roots with the new model. The boat was designed by the Ferretti Product Strategy Committee under the direction of Piero Ferrari and the engineering department, while the exterior and interior design was created by Tommaso De Luca.
The overall length is 16.44 metres and the maximum width is 4.73 metres. It is powered by two MAN i6-730 engines (730 hp) as standard, but can also be equipped with two MAN i6-850 (850 hp) engines as an option. This enables it to reach a top speed of around 33 knots in the standard version and 37 knots in the more powerful version. According to the shipyard, cruising speeds are around 28 and 33 knots.
Above all, the deck layout offers plenty of space in the sun. In the stern, there are sunbathing areas for three or four people and additional seating areas. People can also sunbathe on two cushions on the elongated foredeck.
Below deck, the Itama 54 offers two cabins. The master cabin is forward and the guest cabin is amidships. The two cabins each have their own bathroom. There is also a large kitchenette and a sofa area.
- Length over everything: 16,44 m
- Width: 4,73 m
- Weight: -
- Max. motorisation: 1,700 HP
- Further information: www.itama-yacht.com
Sasga Menorquin 48
The Sasga Menorquin 48 FB is the fifth boat in the Menorquin series. The Spanish shipyard uses the suffix FB to designate its flybridge models. The lines are classic semi-planing style.
The 48 measures around 15.80 metres with a width of 4.85 metres and a draught of around 1.2 metres. It is powered by two Volvo Penta D6 engines with 370 or 380 hp. This enables the Menorquin 48 to reach a top speed of around 23 knots, while the cruising speed is 19 knots according to the shipyard.
The deck layout offers generous outdoor areas with wide gangways, a classic aft cockpit and a spacious bathing platform. The flybridge version has an additional helm station with seating and sunbathing areas.
There is a choice of different layout options below deck. Three cabins and two bathrooms are provided as standard; alternatively, a two-cabin version with a larger saloon is also possible. The galley can be located either in the saloon or below deck. Overall, the shipyard emphasises bright, maritime interiors with a traditional feel.
The tanks hold 1,850 litres of diesel and 700 litres of fresh water, making the boat suitable for longer stays. With CE category A, the Menorquin 48 is also certified for ocean voyages
- Length over everything: 15,20 m
- Width: 4,85 m
- Weight: 14,200 kg
- Max. Motorisation: -
- Further information: www.sasgayachts.com
SAY 52
With the SAY 52, the German shipyard SAY Carbon Yachts presents a sporty performance model that combines lightweight construction and modern technology. The boat is 15.95 metres long, 4.40 metres wide and has a draught of just under one metre. Thanks to the consistent use of carbon, the yacht weighs just 7.5 tonnes including the seakeeper.
Two different drive configurations are also available here: two Volvo Penta diesel engines (880 hp) or two powerful V8 petrol engines (860 hp). A hybrid system is also available as an option, which enables quiet and low-emission driving in the harbour. Depending on the equipment, the SAY 52 can reach top speeds of up to 45 knots.
The deck has an open design with large sunbathing areas and a bathing platform at the stern. A carbon fibre hardtop protects the steering position and seating area. Stability at sea can be increased by installing a seakeeper system.
Below deck, the SAY 52 offers an owner's cabin with bathroom and the option of customisation. The interior follows a clear, modern style that emphasises lightness and high-quality materials. Carbon is the key to success here.
The tanks hold 1,200 litres of fuel and 250 litres of fresh water. With a range of around 300 nautical miles, the SAY 52 is not only designed as a day boat, but also for longer weekend trips.
- Length over everything: 15,95 m
- Width: 4,40 m
- Weight: 7,500 kg
- Max. motorisation: 880 HP
- Further information: saycarbonyachts.com
